Of Posts and Ponytails

Tap tap tap. Is this thing on?

This is the time of year when dull is the word. The weather is drab, grey is omnipresent, and my hair just isn't very shiny. It's hard to feel motivated to do much besides burrow down, keep your feet warm, and try to survive yet another Boston winter. (For those keeping track, this is my fourth.)

This time of year is funny because I feel like so many of the things that make me inherently unique lie dormant for weeks and months at a time. In review, I don't necessarily consider that a bad thing, just an observation. Maybe this is me. The Q1 Nat.

Hi. It's good to be back. Part of me wants to write the longest blog in the history of blogs (and boy have I written some doozies) to make up for my time away -- to update you on what needs being updated. The other part of me wants to go back to wearing the same 8 outfits, slapping my hair into a ponytail, and allowing the chores of my life to stack up in favor of good books and TV.

As my previous post pointed out, I've had some real humdinger weeks at work. The worst appears to be past, so I'm going to cling to that hope. I'm also beyond grateful for a company that forced me into a mental health rejuvenation day and an unexpected 3-day weekend. I ended up going to NYC, partook of some festivities--and didn't manage to take a single photo. On a weekend with minimal ponytail usage and maximum color wearage... waste of a good opprotunity, huh?

This coming weekend will be another slow one--which is a plus given the pace I've been sprinting. It's a long weekend for most and Valentine's Day for most so maybe something exciting will happen. Chances are slim but a girl can always dream about getting flowers delivered, right?

Despite the lull in activity and excitement in my life, I'm going to try to bring the creativity back to this blog and back to my life. Won't that be fun? Because let's face it, a ponytail only looks good for so long.

*This photo brought to you from a creative event in the summer at a non-pony event. Nothing to do with this post, but 8 out of 9 readers want to see 67% more photos.

**This second photo brought to you by the color GREEN!

All around the world statues crumble for me

Today, I tested my geography and felt sorely lacking in my knowledge of the countries of the world. Fifteen minutes, and I could only name 77 of 195 (~40%). When my time was up there were several "duh" countries I missed, but I was pretty maxed out. Here's how I failed:

So, without looking at a map, what countries did I miss that you know? Did you fair any better in 15 minutes? Take the quiz here.

Uppers

Dear Internet,

I had a rough 48 hours. Crummy for a host of reasons not even worth mentioning. And the good news is, I think the universe didn't want me to be unhappy any longer.

A few hours ago I received the sweetest text of my whole life from my lovely (and now married!) sister Kendall:

"I love you so much. I seriously think about you every day and how I could be more like you. Have a good day!"

I got home from work and was reminded of the sweetest post-it note of my whole life from my lovely (and now college freshman!) sister Mallory:

And then, I had the thought that's completely recaptured my good attitude. Nat, says the thought, Remember when you used to listen to Hairspray! all the time? Maybe it's time to resurrect the beat.

Woot. I'd forgotten how obsessed I was with Hairspray! It also brought back so many good memories. I saw Hairspray for the first time on Broadway with the SLC Holla House and then again with Julie last last Memorial Day. I'm now having a literal dance party with myself. But seriously, you should see my moves. I think I missed my calling in life.




So maybe I let the beat stop for a bit this weekend, but you'd better believe I won't any longer!

Confession #919

I work in the College Mathematics Textbook division. In doing some QA on a book's online learning portal, I decided to try my hand at some algebra problems.

8x + 9 = -31

The answer is not 2.75.

This problem brought my 100% score to a 50% score. And then I quit.

I'm smart at my job, just not smart at math.

Confession #81

I am disgusted with myself when I use winking emoticons in instant message conversations. I never wink in real life, why would I cyber-wink*?

I know it has to do with conveying emotion and letting the reader on the other side "read" your emotion. But a wink!? I should start obnoxiously winking with grandeur in real life after half the things I say. It only seems fair to conduct myself in the same manner both on and off line.

It sicks me out, and I just can't seem to stop.

*How creepy is the phrase cyber-wink? Eww.

Confession #47

I watched the season (series?) finale of One Tree Hill last night and my heart hurt a little as the gang said their final goodbyes.

What a craptacularly awesome show.

knocking on heaven's door

Confession:

Using sick days to actually be sick literally kills me. I'd rather be sick on the weekend.

I've been flat on my back for two days now. Thank heavens I can sleep though--and sleep I have. And I've watched some semi-trashy TV. Please bless I get my strength back before the half-marathon a week from tomorrow! Yikes.

Enjoy your health!

5 Cent Ecological Sin

CONFESSION:

Sometimes I throw soda cans in the garbage can and don't care.